U.S. patent application number 16/634779 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-29 for quick connector with semi-integrated cartridge.
The applicant listed for this patent is FASTER S.R.L.. Invention is credited to Alessandro DANELLI, Roberto SORBI.
Application Number | 20200340608 16/634779 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004972680 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200340608 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DANELLI; Alessandro ; et
al. |
October 29, 2020 |
QUICK CONNECTOR WITH SEMI-INTEGRATED CARTRIDGE
Abstract
A female coupling for a fluid quick connector and configured to
be removably connected to a male coupling of the connector. The
female coupling includes a valve assembly with a valve alternating
between closed and open positions. The flow of a fluid from the
female coupling towards the male coupling occurs in the open
position. The female coupling includes a hollow body defining an
inner cavity with a longitudinal axis for the flow of the fluid.
The female valve assembly is housed in the inner cavity. The hollow
body includes an end portion configured to be housed in a housing
seat of an interface manifold. With the end portion in the housing
seat, the tubular inner cavity is placed in fluid connection with
at least one inner channel of the interface manifold. A constraint
prevents rotation/translation of the end portion of the hollow body
with respect to the housing seat.
Inventors: |
DANELLI; Alessandro;
(Brignano Gera d'Adda, IT) ; SORBI; Roberto;
(Rivolta d'Adda, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FASTER S.R.L. |
Rivolta d'Adda |
|
IT |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004972680 |
Appl. No.: |
16/634779 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
July 31, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2017/054662 |
371 Date: |
January 28, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 29/007 20130101;
F16L 37/146 20130101; F16L 37/28 20130101; F16L 2201/20
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 37/14 20060101
F16L037/14; F16L 37/28 20060101 F16L037/28; F16L 29/00 20060101
F16L029/00 |
Claims
1. An hydraulic and/or pneumatic connector assembly, said assembly
comprising an interface manifold which defines a first housing seat
and a female coupling, for an hydraulic and/or pneumatic quick
connector, said female coupling being adapted to be alternatively
connected to and disconnected from a corresponding male coupling of
said connector, said female coupling comprising a female valve
assembly with a valve adapted to be translated alternatively
between a first closing position and a second opening position,
wherein the flow of a fluid from said female coupling towards said
male coupling and/or in the opposite direction is possible with
said valve in said second opening position, wherein said female
coupling comprises a hollow main body, with defines a first
substantially tubular inner cavity with a longitudinal extension
axis for the flow of said fluid, said female valve assembly being
housed in said first inner cavity of said hollow main body, said
hollow main body comprising a first end portion housed in a first
housing seat of said interface manifold, wherein said first inner
cavity of said hollow main body is placed in fluid connection with
at least one inner channel of said interface manifold, said female
coupling comprising mechanical constraining means for mutually
constraining said first end portion of said hollow main body in
said first housing seat, wherein said mechanical constraining means
are shaped so as to prevent both the rotation and the translation
of said hollow main body with respect to said first housing seat,
wherein said female valve assembly comprised a hollow inner body
housed in said first inner cavity of said hollow main body which
can be translated with respect to said hollow main body, said
hollow inner body defining a second inner cavity in fluid
communication with said first inner cavity, said first hollow inner
body comprising switching means which can be engaged by a switching
lever constrained to and partially housed in said interface
manifold, wherein said lever is adapted to be rotated with respect
to a rotation axis which is substantially perpendicular with
respect to said longitudinal extension axis of said first inner
cavity of said hollow main body, wherein the rotation of said lever
in a first rotation direction results in said switching means being
engaged and thus in the translation of said hollow inner body in a
first direction, wherein said lever comprises a grip external to
said interface manifold and an engagement leg housed inside said
interface manifold and extending across a through opening of said
hollow main body, and wherein said assembly comprises elastic
contrasting means housed in said interface manifold the rotation of
said lever in said first rotation direction occurring against the
elastic bias applied by said elastic contract means.
2. The A assembly according to claim 1, wherein said elastic
contrasting means comprise a helical spring, wherein said lever
comprises a second leg which extends in direction opposite to said
first leg, and wherein said helical spring is engaged by said
second leg.
3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical
constraining means are shaped so as to prevent both the rotation of
said hollow main body with respect to any rotation axis
substantially parallel to said longitudinal extension axis (A) of
said first inner cavity and the translation of said hollow main
body along any direction substantially parallel to said
longitudinal extension axis (A) of said first inner cavity.
4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical
constraining means comprise an engagement seat defined by said
first end portion of said hollow main body and a pin or peg-shaped
constraining member adapted to be inserted in a second housing seat
of said interface manifold so as to engage said engagement
seat.
5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein said engagement seat
of said first end portion comprises a groove which extends in depth
from the outer surface of said first end portion of said hollow
main body and along a direction which is substantially
perpendicular to said longitudinal extension axis of said first
inner cavity of said hollow main body.
6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said switching means
comprise a protrusion which extends from the outer surface of said
hollow inner body across said through opening of said main hollow
body.
7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein said protrusion has
an annular shape and defines an engagement surface which is
substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal extension axis (A)
of said first inner cavity of the hollow main body, and wherein
said engagement surface can be engaged by said lever.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of quick
connectors for hydrodynamic and/or pneumatic applications, in
particular for hydraulic and/or pneumatic circuits and the like. In
particular, the present invention relates to a coupling for quick
connectors of the type disclosed above and to a connector assembly
equipped with said coupling. In detail, the present invention
relates to solutions for equipping a connector assembly with at
least one coupling in a semi-integrated mode. Even more in detail,
the present invention relates to solutions for equipping a
connector assembly with at least one coupling in a semi-integrated
mode and to allow the use of the at least one coupling according to
advantageous modes which are not possible in the case of the known
couplings.
Background Art
[0002] Quick connectors for reciprocally connecting hydraulic
circuits by means of flexible pipes are known in prior art. For
example, quick connectors of the push-pull type are known for
reciprocally connecting the hydraulic circuits of a main tractor
and of a tool, respectively, wherein the connection and the
disconnection of the female and male couplings is obtained by means
of pushing and pulling actions, respectively. Furthermore, the
female and male couplings of the quick connectors of the push-pull
type are shaped so that the mechanical connection (by pushing,
usually on the male coupling) of the female and male couplings
results in the automatic positioning of the respective valve
assemblies in the opening position (and thus in the hydraulic
connection, so that the fluid flow between the two female and male
couplings is possible), while the disconnection (by pulling,
usually on the male coupling) of the female and male couplings
results in the automatic repositioning of the female and male valve
assemblies in the respective closing positions (in which the
hydraulic circuits are closed and separate and the fluid flow
between the two female and male couplings is not possible).
[0003] Manifolds with integrated cartridges (usually female
couplings) and provided with a lever are known as well, wherein in
this case the connection and disconnection methods of the
respective male coupling envisage the actuation of the lever with
respective actuation (switching) of the component parts provided
for the respective constraining of the male and female couplings
and possibly with respective repositioning of the respective valve
assemblies.
[0004] In practice, the known systems may be essentially of two
types, wherein the systems of a first type are commonly known as
simple interface manifolds, whereas the systems of the second type
are known as blocks with cartridges and integrated lever.
[0005] A simple interface manifold substantially consists of a
block (generally made of cast-iron), comprises an interface to be
connected to the distributor of a hydraulic circuit and inner
channels for the passage of oil (one for each hydraulic line) which
each terminate with a threaded end into which the quick coupling
(generally the female part) is screwed.
[0006] A manifold with cartridges and integrated lever
substantially consists of a block (generally made of cast-iron),
comprises an interface to be connected to the distributor of a
hydraulic circuit, inner channels for the passage of oil (one for
each hydraulic line) and a seat appropriately shaped to house
inside a cartridge (completely integrated and usually of female
type) and a lever for actuating the cartridge.
[0007] The advantages offered by the simple interface manifolds
comprise:
[0008] Central oil flow (which guarantees lower loss of load);
[0009] Ease of replacement of the quick coupling in case of
malfunctioning;
[0010] Possibility of using a wide range of couplings.
[0011] The advantages offered by the manifolds with integrated
cartridges comprise: the possibility of actuating the lever to
reduce the connection/disconnection efforts; the possibility of
recovering the oil by virtue of a possibly decompressed (cleaned)
oil recovery system directly integrated in the block.
[0012] Although appreciable in consideration of the advantages
and/or the opportunities offered and summarized above, however none
of the known system types are entirely free from disadvantages
and/or drawbacks.
[0013] For example, the manifolds with integrated cartridges
necessarily require the provision of specific channels in which the
oil passes in a radial manner with respect to the cartridge itself,
creating turbulence on the oil flow and thereby greater loss of
load.
[0014] Furthermore, the provision of the lever with respective
maneuvering space is often disadvantageous if not unfeasible, in
the case of small-size equipment.
[0015] On the other hand, in the case of simple interface
manifolds, the disconnection of the male and female couplings may
be difficult if not impossible (unless with long and difficult
supplementary operations), if there is residual pressure in both
couplings, this problem being indeed overcome by virtue of the
lever provided in the case of manifolds with integrated
cartridges.
[0016] The risk of accidental movement or displacement of the
female valve assembly from the opening position (even in the
coupling or reciprocal connection condition of the male and female
couplings) is well known, e.g. as a consequence of the fluid flow
inversion, in particular in the case of push-pull connectors, where
the accidental displacement of the female valve assembly results in
a displacement of the male valve assembly from the opening position
to the closing position, with consequent discontinuity between the
two hydraulic circuits (connected to the female coupling and to the
male coupling, respectively), which obviously, in turn, causes an
interruption of the fluid flow, where the equipment or tool is thus
no longer hydraulically assisted by the hydraulic circuit of the
main operating machine.
[0017] Different are the solutions suggested in the prior art for
overcoming or at least minimizing the risk of accidental movement
of the female valve assembly and thus of accidental closing of the
male valve assembly. For example, hydraulic type solutions are
known, in which the female valve assembly is locked in the opening
position by means of a secondary hydraulic circuit. However, said
solutions of the hydraulic type are much more costly and
complicated, and thus often incompatible with market needs.
[0018] Mechanical type solutions have been alternatively suggested
(alternatively to manifolds with integrated cartridges and lever),
i.e. in which the female valve assembly is automatically locked in
opening position by means of a mechanical device as result of the
reciprocal coupling of the male and female couplings. Said
solutions of the mechanical type are also not free from drawbacks
and/or contraindications.
[0019] In particular, the main drawback is related to the fact that
being the lock mechanism necessarily accommodated inside the female
coupling, the often excessive dimensions of the locking mechanism
often results in an acceptable increase of the dimensions of the
female coupling for the most common applications.
[0020] A further drawback relates to the structural complexity of
the mechanical mechanism, which often comprehends a very high
number of component parts, where the high number of components
parts often inevitably results in an unacceptable increase of
manufacturing costs, in particular of assembly costs, and equally
often into a reduced reliability of the locking mechanism, with
consequent increased need for maintenance operations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0021] It is the object of the present invention to overcome or at
least minimize the drawbacks affecting the solutions according to
the prior art, in particular both simple interface manifolds and
those with integrated cartridges.
[0022] In particular, it is an object or goal of the present
invention to achieve a solution which allows to combine the
advantages offered by both the simple interface manifolds and those
with integrated cartridge and lever in a single system.
[0023] In detail, the system according to the present invention
shall:
[0024] allow the central flow of oil or fluid in general (and thus
guarantee less loss of load) which today is only possible in simple
interface manifolds;
[0025] allow the replacement of the quick coupling (e.g. in case of
malfunctioning), in a simple and immediate manner;
[0026] offer the possibility of using and exchanging a wide range
of couplings, in particular of ISO 7241 couplings and ISO 16028
couplings (of the agri or flat face type);
[0027] offer the possibility of using couplings of the same type
(and/or referred to the same ISO standard), but with different
sizes (e.g. size 1/2'' or 3/4'');
[0028] allow both the connection and the disconnection also in the
presence of residual pressure in one or both couplings and without
using the lever (today possible exclusively in the case of
manifolds with integrated cartridges by actuating the lever);
[0029] allow the connection and disconnection both with and without
the actuation of the lever;
[0030] allow the recovery of the possibly decompressed (clean)
oil;
[0031] facilitate and simplify the connection and disconnection
operations in general;
[0032] guarantee a reliable connection without the risks of
accidental disconnection;
[0033] allow to provide a compact system of small dimensions and
low cost, which can be installed on a wide range of equipment
according to simple and equally low cost methods.
[0034] In consideration of the disadvantages affecting the
solutions according to the prior art and the objects outlined
above, innovative cartridges and a system are suggested according
to the present invention, in which, unlike the standard couplings
(which are usually screwed into the cast-iron block), said
innovative cartridges are partially inserted in the cast-iron block
and fixed according to equally innovative methods, e.g. by means of
one or more side pins.
[0035] This type of fixing and a specific slot obtained in the rear
part thereof allow its actuation by means of a lever (also present
in the block), where the lever also helps to reduce the
connection/disconnection efforts.
[0036] According to a variant embodiment, decompression niches and
respective seals (in the rear part) are envisaged on the coupling
and cartridge to allow the coupling in case of residual pressure
inside the cartridge.
[0037] Such a feature (present today only in some types of
couplings) allows to recover the decompressed oil with a system
directly integrated in the block.
[0038] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the male
coupling can be disconnected in case of residual pressure with the
help of the lever or alternatively by pulling, according to methods
similar to the push-pull type, by means of some special components
(ring and ring slider).
[0039] Again in consideration of both the drawbacks affecting the
solutions according to the prior art and the set objects, the
present invention relates to a female coupling for a hydraulic
and/or pneumatic quick connector, said female coupling being
adapted to be alternatively connected to and disconnected from a
corresponding male coupling of said connector, said female coupling
comprising a female valve assembly adapted to be translated
alternatively between a first closing position and a second opening
position, where the flow of a fluid is possible from the inside of
said female coupling outwards and from the outside inwards with
said female valve assembly in said second opening position, where
said female coupling comprises a hollow main body, which defines a
first inner passage with a longitudinal extension axis for the flow
of said fluid, said female valve assembly being housed in said
first inner passage of said hollow main body, said hollow main body
comprising a first end portion adapted to be housed in a first
housing seat of an interface manifold, where with said first end
portion of said hollow main body in said first housing seat, said
first inner passage of the hollow main body is placed in fluid
connection with at least one inner channel of said interface
manifold, said female coupling comprising mechanical constraining
means for mutually constraining said first end portion of said
hollow main body in said first housing seat, where said mechanical
constraining means are shaped so as to prevent both the rotation
and the translation of said hollow main body with respect to said
first housing seat.
[0040] According to an embodiment, said mechanical constraining
means are shaped so as to prevent both the rotation of said hollow
main body with respect to any rotation axis substantially parallel
to said longitudinal symmetry axis of said first inner passage and
the translation of said hollow main body along any direction
substantially parallel to said longitudinal symmetry axis of said
first inner passage. According to an embodiment, said mechanical
constraining means comprise an engagement seat defined by said
first end portion of said hollow main body and adapted to be
engaged by a pin or peg-shaped constraining member when it is
inserted in a second housing seat of said interface manifold.
[0041] According to an embodiment, said engagement seat of said
first end portion comprises a groove which extends in depth from
the outer surface of said first end portion of said hollow main
body and along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to
said longitudinal symmetry axis of said first inner passage of said
hollow main body.
[0042] According to an embodiment, said female valve assembly
comprises a hollow inner body housed in said first inner passage of
said hollow main body which can translate with respect to said
hollow main body, where said hollow inner body defines a second
inner passage coaxial and in fluid communication with said first
inner passage, and where the translation of said hollow inner body
with respect to said hollow main body in a first translation
direction results in the translation of said female valve assembly
towards said second opening position, whereas the translation of
said hollow inner body with respect to the hollow main body in a
second translation direction opposite to the first results in the
translation of said female valve group towards said first closing
position, furthermore, where said first hollow inner body comprises
switching means which can be engaged from the outside of said
hollow main body to translate said hollow inner body in at least
one translation direction.
[0043] According to an embodiment, said switching means comprise a
protrusion which extends from the outer surface of said hollow
inner body, where said hollow main body comprises a through opening
across which said protrusion can be accessed from the outside of
said hollow main body.
[0044] According to an embodiment, said protrusion has an annular
shape and defines an engagement surface substantially perpendicular
to said longitudinal symmetry axis of said first inner cavity of
the hollow main body, where said engagement surface can be engaged
by a lever which can be rotated with respect to a rotation axis
substantially perpendicular with respect to said longitudinal
symmetry axis of said first inner passage of said hollow main body,
where the rotation of said lever in a first rotation direction
results in the translation of said hollow inner body in said first
rotation direction.
[0045] The present invention further relates to a connection kit
for a hydraulic and/or pneumatic quick connector, said kit
comprising a female coupling according to one of the embodiments of
the present invention summarized above and/or described in detail
below, said kit comprising a constraining member adapted to be
alternatively inserted in and removed from a second housing seat of
the interface manifold and to engage said engaging seat of said
first end portion of said hollow main body when it is at least
partially inserted in said second housing seat of said interface
manifold.
[0046] According to an embodiment, said constraining member is pin
or peg-shaped.
[0047] The present invention further relates to a hydraulic and/or
pneumatic connector assembly, said assembly comprising an interface
manifold which defines a first housing seat, said assembly
comprises a female coupling according to one of the embodiments of
the present invention summarized above and/or described below,
where said hollow main body comprises a first end portion housed in
said housing seat of said interface manifold, where said first
inner cavity of said hollow main body is placed in fluid connection
with at least one inner channel of said interface manifold, said
female coupling comprising mechanical constraining means for
mutually constraining said first end portion of said hollow main
body in said first housing seat, and thus where said mechanical
constraining means are shaped so as to prevent both the rotation
and the translation of said hollow main body with respect to the
first housing seat.
[0048] According to an embodiment, said interface manifold
comprises a second housing seat in which said pin or peg-shaped
constraining member is housed, where said engagement seat of said
first end portion comprises a groove which extends in depth from
the outer surface of said first end portion of said hollow main
body and along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to
said longitudinal symmetry axis of said first inner passage of said
hollow main body, and where said groove is engaged by a portion of
the pin or peg-shaped constraining member which extends from said
second housing seat of said interface manifold.
[0049] According to an embodiment, said assembly comprises a
switching lever constrained to and partially housed in said
interface manifold, where said lever is adapted to be rotated with
respect to a rotation axis which is substantially perpendicular
with respect to said longitudinal symmetry axis of said first inner
passage of said hollow main body, where the rotation of said lever
in a first rotation direction results in the translation of said
hollow inner body in said first rotation direction.
[0050] According to an embodiment, said lever comprises a grip
external to said interface manifold and an engagement leg housed
inside said interface manifold, where said engagement leg extends
through said through opening of said hollow main body, thus where
the rotation of said lever in said first rotation direction results
in said annular protrusion of said hollow inner body by said
engagement leg, and thus into the translation of said hollow inner
body in said first translation direction.
[0051] According to an embodiment, said assembly comprises elastic
contrasting means housed inside said interface manifold, where the
rotation of said lever in said first rotation direction occurs
against the elastic bias applied by said elastic contrast
means.
[0052] According to an embodiment, said elastic contrasting means
comprise a helical spring, where said lever comprises a second leg
which extends in direction opposite to said first leg, and in that
said helical spring is engaged by said second leg.
[0053] Further possible embodiments of the present invention are
defined in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained by
means of the following detailed description of the embodiments
depicted in the drawings. However, the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described hereinafter and depicted in
the drawings; on the contrary, all the variants of the embodiments
described below and shown in the drawings which will become
apparent to those skilled in the art fall within the scope of the
invention.
[0055] In the drawings:
[0056] figures from 1 to 18 show a perspective view and section
views of a female coupling according to an embodiment of the
present invention and of a male coupling according to standard ISO
7241 during the various steps of connecting and/or
disconnecting;
[0057] figures from 19 to 32 show section views of the main
component parts of a female coupling according to an embodiment of
the present invention and of a male coupling according to standard
ISO 7241 during the various steps of connecting and/or
disconnecting;
[0058] figures from 33 to 48 show perspective views of the main
component parts of a female coupling according to an embodiment of
the present invention and of a male coupling according to standard
ISO 7241 during the various steps of connecting and/or
disconnecting;
[0059] figures from 49 to 60 show section views of a female
coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention and of
a male coupling according to standard ISO 16028 during the various
steps of connecting and/or disconnecting;
[0060] figures from 61 to 73 show section views of a female
coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention and of
a male coupling according to standard ISO 16028 during the various
steps of connecting and/or disconnecting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0061] In figures from 1 to 18, the illustrated female member or
coupling (hereinafter also referred to as a cartridge) according to
the embodiment of the present invention is identified by reference
numeral 102; the cartridge 102 is constrained to an interface
manifold 101, where an end portion of the cartridge 102 is housed
in the manifold 101 (in a corresponding housing seat, see the
description below), while a second end portion protrudes from the
manifold 101, this being substantially the reason for which the
coupling 102 may also be defined hereinafter as "semi-integrated"
(in the manifold 101). In the figures, reference numeral 150
identifies a male coupling, in the particular but not limiting case
according to standard ISO 7241, adapted to be alternatively
connected to and disconnected from the female coupling 102. As
shown, the manifold defines an inner channel 105, where the female
coupling 102, when it is inserted as shown (and according to
innovative particularities described in detail below), is placed in
fluid communication with the channel 105, where the coupling 102,
by means of the manifold 101, is placed in fluid communication with
a hydraulic (or also pneumatic) circuit (not shown). Obviously, the
number of inner channels 105 defined by the manifold 101 (and thus
of female couplings applicable to the manifold), such as the shape
and size of the manifold 101, may vary according to the
applications and/or needs and/or circumstances. The female coupling
102 comprises a main hollow assembly or body which defines a first
inner cavity 1001 which, with the semi-integrated coupling 102 in
the manifold 101 is placed in fluid communication with the channel
105, the fluid flow in the coupling 102 thus being central (or of
axial type). The cavity 1001 has tubular conformation
(substantially cylindrical, minus negligible imperfections and/or
irregularities and/or asymmetric working) and thus defines a
longitudinal axis A; hereinafter, axis A will be referred to either
as an "extension" or "symmetry" axis. The hollow main body
comprises an adapter 118 (nearly completely housed in a
corresponding seat of the manifold 101), a connector 111 fixed to
the adapter 118 by means of an interface threading, and a ring 110,
fixed in turn to the connector 111 by means of an interface
threading. A hollow inner body is housed in the hollow main body
which defines a second inner cavity 1002; the cavity 1002 also has
tubular conformation (substantially cylindrical, minus negligible
imperfections and/or irregularities and/or asymmetric working) and
thus defines a longitudinal axis coinciding with axis A;
hereinafter, said axis A will also be referred to as either an
"extension" or "symmetry" axis.
[0062] The hollow inner body comprises a balancing piston 112 and a
ball body 108 fixed to the piston 112 by means of an interface
threading, the hollow inner body, being translatable inside the
hollow main body along a direction substantially parallel to axis A
in the two opposite translation directions, from the left
rightwards and from the right leftwards with respect to the
figures. In particular, as described in greater detail hereinafter,
the translation of the piston 112 results in a translation in the
same translation direction as the ball body 108.
[0063] The various connection and disconnection methods of the male
coupling 150 and of the female coupling 102 will be described
below, with reference to figures from 1 to 18.
[0064] FIG. "3" shows a first step of connecting of the male
coupling 150 in the cartridge 102. During this step, the valve 151
of the male coupling 150 enters into contact with the valve 103 of
the cartridge 102. The dark part in the figure indicates the
presence of pressure in the cartridge 102.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows how, proceeding with the step of connecting,
the pin 152 of the male coupling 150 enters into contact with the
balls 107 of the cartridge 102. The balls are contained in specific
holes obtained in the ball body 108, the ball body 108 being held
in position by the spring 109 which works between an abutment of
the ring 110 and a rest on the central connector 111. As mentioned,
the balancing piston 112 is connected by means of a threaded
coupling to the ball body 108. Said balancing piston 112 is
hydraulically balanced by virtue of the particular arrangement of
the seals 113, 114 and 115.
[0066] FIG. 5 shows a further step of connecting of the male
coupling 150 in the cartridge 102. In particular, it can be
appreciated how a tooth of the pin 152 of the male coupling 150
pushes the balls 107 into a specific housing obtained inside the
ring 110. Thereby, the ball body 108 and the balancing piston 112
are pushed towards the inside of the cartridge 102 to occupy a more
retracted position in the cartridge 102 (with respect to that
previously occupied).
[0067] Decompression niches 116 are present in the balancing piston
112 and allow to eliminate the residual pressure previously present
in the cartridge 102 because they create a passage gap between the
balancing piston 112 and the seal 115.
[0068] The decompressed oil thus enters into a circular
crown-shaped chamber 117 obtained between the balancing piston 112
and the adapter 118, where a hole 119 is present in the adapter 118
through which the oil (in general, the fluid) may spill out, which
oil then exits from the hole 106, to be possibly recovered.
[0069] In particular, the chamber 117 is concentric circular with
the axis A of the coupling 1012, obtained between an inner surface
of the adapter 118 and an outer surface of the balancing piston
112. The hole 119 is present in the adapter 118 with the axis
normal to axis A of the coupling which intercepts the chamber 117
and is therefore in communication therewith.
[0070] FIG. 6 instead shows how, in the next step, the balls 107
are at the seat 153 of the pin 152 of the male coupling.
[0071] FIG. 7 shows the final configuration, in which the male
coupling is connected to the female coupling and is thus
mechanically constrained to the female coupling 102 which is in
fluid communication with the female coupling 102: The spring (109)
has repositioned the ball body (108) and the balls (107) are locked
between the groove (153) and the ring (110). The valves (103) and
(151) are in open position so as to allow the passage of oil.
[0072] The disconnection method of the male coupling 150 from the
female coupling 102 by simply pulling the male coupling 150 will be
described below with reference to the figures from 8 to 10; in the
figures from 8 to 10, component parts and/or features described
above with reference to other figures are identified using the same
reference numerals.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, starting from the situation in FIG. 7
(male coupling 150 and female coupling 102 reciprocally connected),
pulling the male coupling 150 towards the outside of the cartridge
102, will reposition the balls 107 at a groove present in the ring
110.
[0074] So, during the further step of releasing of shown in FIG. 9,
the pin 152 acts by pushing against the balls 107, which are
arranged inside the groove of the ring 110.
[0075] So, FIG. 10 shows the male coupling 150 and the cartridge
102 after the disconnection, where the spring 109 has repositioned
the ball body 108 and the balancing piston 112. Furthermore, the
spring 120 has also repositioned the valve 103, thus closing the
oil passage.
[0076] The disconnection method of the male coupling 150 from the
female coupling 102 in case of absence of residual pressure, but in
this case by using the lever 104 will be described below with
reference to the figures from 11 to 15; in the figures from 11 to
15, component parts and/or features described above with reference
to other figures are identified using the same reference
numerals.
[0077] In FIG. 11 the male coupling 150 is shown connected to the
cartridge 102. FIG. 11 also shows how a lever 104 is applied to the
manifold 101, where the lever 104 comprises a leg 104a which
extends in a through opening 119 which allows to access the piston
112 from the outside of the adapter 118. The leg 104a is shaped and
positioned so as to engage a surface 112a defined by an annular
protrusion which extends towards the outside of the outer surface
of the balancing piston (112) by virtue of the pushing action of
the spring 121.
[0078] FIG. 12 shows the details of the lever 104 and of the leg
104a.
[0079] FIG. 13 shows that by pushing the lever 104 downwards
(counterclockwise with respect to the figure), the retraction of
the balancing piston 112 and of the ball body 108 is obtained to a
position in which the balls 107 are at the groove present in the
ring 110.
[0080] At this point, a tooth present on the pin 152 of the male
coupling 150 pushes the balls 107 into the seat present in the ring
110 as shown in FIG. 14.
[0081] FIG. 15 shows the male coupling 150 and the cartridge 102
after the disconnection, where the spring 109 has repositioned the
ball body 108 and the balancing piston 112. Furthermore, the spring
120 has repositioned the valve 103, thus closing the oil passage.
An O-ring 127 type seal is inserted between the central connector
111 and the adapter 118.
[0082] The application and fixing method of the female coupling 102
in the interface manifold 101 will be described below with
reference to the figures from 16 to 18; in the figures from 16 to
18, component parts and/or features described above with reference
to other figures are identified using the same reference
numerals.
[0083] FIG. 16 shows how a groove 118a is present in the adapter
118 which extends in depth from the outer surface of the adapter
118 along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis A. A
pin 122 is inserted longitudinally in said groove 118a, the groove
118a being provided so as to position the hole 119 of the adapter
118 at the leg 104a of the lever 104. The application and
constraining methods of the female coupling 102 to the manifold 101
thus envisage that the end portion of the female coupling (opposite
to that intended to be engaged by the male coupling 150) is
inserted in the seat corresponding to the housing of the manifold
101 and thus is fixed there by inserting the pin 122 in a hole of
the manifold 101 to engage the groove 118a, where the reciprocal
engagement of the pin 122 and its groove 118a prevents any rotation
about any axis parallel to axis A and any translation along any
direction parallel to axis A of the female coupling 102.
[0084] FIG. 17 shows a longitudinal section of the manifold 101 and
thus allows to appreciate how a seal 123 is arranged between the
pin 122 and the respective hole of the manifold 101. Finally, FIG.
18 shows a further seal 124 which guarantees the tightness of the
pressurized channel and the seal 125 and the cap 126 which
guarantee the decompressed oil tightness.
[0085] A further embodiment of the present invention and of the
respective connection and disconnection methods will be described
below with reference to the figures from 19 to 32; also in the
figures from 19 to 32, component parts and/or features described
with reference to other figures are identified using the same
reference numerals.
[0086] FIG. 20 shows a first step of connecting of the male
coupling 150 in the cartridge 102, in which the valve 151 of the
male coupling enters into contact with the valve 103 of the
cartridge 102. In the figure, the dark part indicates the presence
of pressure inside the cartridge 102 and inside the male coupling
150.
[0087] FIG. 21 shows a further step of connecting in which the
valve 151 of the male coupling 150 pushes the valve 103 of the
female coupling, where because of the presence of the pressure in
the cartridge 102 also the ball body 108 and the balancing piston
112 retract towards the inside of the cartridge. Such a balancing
piston 112 is hydraulically balanced by virtue of the particular
arrangement of the seals 115, 113 and 114.
[0088] One or more decompression niches 116 are present in the
balancing piston 112 and allow to eliminate the residual pressure
previously present in the cartridge 102 because they create a
passage gap between the balancing piston 112 and the seal 115.
[0089] The decompressed oil enters into a circular crown-shaped
chamber 117 obtained between the balancing piston 112 and the
adapter 118. A hole 119 is present in the adapter 118 from where
the oil may pour out, then exiting from the hole 106, to be
possibly recovered.
[0090] FIG. 22 shows a further step of connecting in which the
valve 103 retracts into contact with the valve guide 209 by virtue
of the fact that the residual pressure in the cartridge 102 was
eliminated.
[0091] The pin of the male coupling 152 can thus advance towards
the inside of the cartridge 102 and push the balls 107 into the
groove present in the ring 110. During the further step of
connecting shown in FIG. 23 the valve guide 209 retracts towards
the inside of the cartridge 102, thus where the balls 107 are
positioned at a groove 153 present in the pin 152 of the male
coupling 150. FIG. 24 shows the connection (only mechanical, not
yet hydraulic) between the male coupling 150 and the female
coupling 102; it is worth noting that the spring 109 has
repositioned the ball body 108 and the balls 107 are locked between
the groove 153 and the ring 110. Furthermore, it is worth noting
that the male coupling 150 is connected to the female part but the
valve 151 is still closed maintaining pressure in the male coupling
150.
[0092] The opening of the valve 151 is thus obtained simply by
pressurizing the cartridge 102 at a pressure higher than that
present in the male coupling 150.
[0093] FIG. 25 shows the performed hydraulic connection with the
respective opening of the valves.
[0094] It is worth noting that the valve guide (209) is locked in
position by a crown of ball 213 which cannot move radially because
of the presence of the stop 214 which prevents their displacement
(such a system is usually referred to as a "mechanical lock").
[0095] The disconnection method in the absence of residual pressure
and simply by pulling the male coupling 150 will be described below
with reference to the figures from 26 to 28.
[0096] Starting from the situation in FIG. 25 in which the two male
and female couplings are reciprocally connected, both mechanically
and hydraulically, the repositioning of the balls 107 at a groove
present in the ring 110 (FIG. 26) is obtained by pulling the male
coupling 150 towards the outside of the cartridge 102, where the
pin 152 pushes the balls 107 into the groove of the ring 110 during
the further step of disconnecting in FIG. 27.
[0097] Finally, after disconnecting the male coupling 150 from the
cartridge 102, as shown in FIG. 28, the spring 109 repositions the
ball body 108 and the balancing piston 112. Furthermore, the spring
120 has repositioned the valve 103, thus closing the oil
passage.
[0098] The disconnection method in case of absence of residual
pressure and by actuating the lever 104 will be described below
with reference to the figures from 29 to 32.
[0099] FIG. 29 shows the male coupling 150 connected to the
cartridge 102, where also in this case the leg 104a is in contact
with (engages) the surface 112a of the balancing piston 112 by
virtue of the thrust of the spring 121.
[0100] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 30, by pushing the lever 104
downwards, the retraction of the balancing piston 112 and of the
ball body 108 is obtained until the balls 107 are at the groove
present in the ring 110. At this point, a tooth present on the pin
152 of the male coupling 150 pushes the balls 107 into the seat
present in the ring 110, as shown in FIG. 31.
[0101] FIG. 32 shows the male coupling 150 and the cartridge 102
after the disconnection, where the spring 109 has repositioned the
ball body 108 and the balancing piston 112. Furthermore, the spring
120 has repositioned the valve 103, thus closing the oil passage.
Further two springs (218) and (219) reposition the valve guide
(209) and the stop of the mechanical lock 213, an O-ring type seal
220 being inserted between the central connector 111 and the
adapter 118.
[0102] The various connection and disconnection methods of the male
and female couplings will be described below with reference to
figures from 33 to 48.
[0103] Figures from 33 to 48 show the case of the embodiment of an
interchangeable cartridge (female coupling) which allows the
connection of a male coupling with presence of residual pressure
therein and which has a hydraulically imbalanced slider therein to
allow the opening of the male coupling also with much lower
pressures in the female coupling (opening ratio).
[0104] Furthermore, by virtue of a special ring slider and a double
series of decompression niches, disconnection is possible in the
presence of residual pressure either by actuating the lever or by
pulling it manually. This embodiment allows in particular:
push-pull type connection, connection with pressurized female
coupling, disconnection under pressure (by means of lever),
connection with pressurized male coupling, disconnection under
pressure (by pulling).
[0105] The steps of a first connection method are shown in the
figures from 33 to 39, in which component parts and/or features
described above with reference to other figures are identified
using the same reference numerals.
[0106] FIG. 34 shows a first step of connecting of the male
coupling 150 in the cartridge 102 (in the presence of pressure in
the male coupling 150 and in the cartridge 102), during which the
valve 151 of the male coupling enters into contact with the valve
103 of the cartridge 102.
[0107] FIG. 35 shows a step after the connection during which the
valve 151 of the male coupling pushes the valve 103 of the female
coupling 102, where because of the presence of the pressure in the
cartridge 102 also the ball body 108 and the balancing piston 112
retract towards the inside of the cartridge 102. In this case, the
balancing piston 112 is hydraulically balanced by virtue of the
particular arrangement of the seals 113, 114 and 115. A first
series of decompression niches 304a is present in the balancing
piston 112, which niches allow to eliminate the residual pressure
previously present in the cartridge 102 because they create a
passage gap between the balancing piston 112 and the seal 115. The
decompressed oil (or fluid in general) enters into a circular
crown-shaped chamber 117 obtained between the balancing piston 112
and the adapter 118, in which a hole is present through which the
oil may spill out from the hole 106, to be possibly recovered.
[0108] FIG. 36 shows a further step of connecting in which the
valve 103 retracts into contact with the valve guide 209 by virtue
of the fact that the residual pressure in the cartridge 102 was
eliminated. Furthermore, the pin of the male coupling 152 can
advance towards the inside of the cartridge 102 and push the balls
107 into the groove present in the ring slider 110.
[0109] During the further step of connecting in FIG. 37 the valve
guide 209 retracts towards the inside of the cartridge 102, thus
where the balls 107 are repositioned at a groove 153 present in the
pin 152 of the male coupling 150.
[0110] The male coupling is shown in FIG. 38, where:
[0111] the spring 109 has repositioned the ball body 108 and the
balls 107 are locked between the groove 153 and the ring 110, where
incidentally the male coupling 150 is connected to the female
coupling 102 but the valve 151 is still closed because of the
pressure still present in the male coupling. In order to open the
valve 151 of the male coupling 150 it is thus sufficient to
pressurize the cartridge 102. As shown, an inner slider 322 is
present in the cartridge 102 which is hydraulically imbalanced by
virtue of the seals 323 and 324 which work on two different
diameters. Therefore, in order to open the valve 151 of the male
coupling 150 it is sufficient to apply a considerably pressure
lower than that present in the male coupling 150 (opening
ratio).
[0112] Finally, FIG. 39 shows the performed coupling with the
respective opening of the valves, where the inner slider 322 is
locked in position by a crown of balls 313 which cannot move
radially because of the presence of the stop 314 which prevents
their displacement (such a system is usually referred to as a
"mechanical lock").
[0113] The disconnection method in the presence of pressure and
simply by pulling the male coupling will be described below with
reference to the figures from 40 to 43. Starting from the
reciprocal connection of the male coupling 150 and female coupling
102 in FIG. 39, pulling the male coupling 150 towards the outside
of the cartridge 102, the balls 107, by virtue of the friction
generated by the pressure thrust, move the ring slider 110
outwards, thus compressing the spring 325 (FIG. 40).
[0114] A second series of decompression niches 304b is present in
the balancing piston 112, which niches allow to eliminate the
residual pressure previously present in the cartridge 102 because
they create a passage gap between the balancing piston 112 and the
seal 115.
[0115] FIG. 41 shows how the ring slider 110 returns to position by
virtue of the spring 325 after the decompression.
[0116] During the further step of disconnecting in FIG. 42, the pin
152 pushes the balls 107 into the groove of the ring slider
110.
[0117] FIG. 43 shows the male coupling 150 and the cartridge 102
after the disconnection, where the spring 109 has repositioned the
ball body 108 and the balancing piston 112, while the spring 120
has repositioned the valve 103 closing the oil passage.
[0118] The disconnection method in the presence of pressure and
actuating the lever will be described below with reference to the
figures from 44 to 48.
[0119] Starting from the reciprocal connection of the male coupling
150 and female coupling 102 in FIG. 44, the balancing piston 112
and the ball body 108 (FIG. 45) are retracted by pushing the lever
104 downwards, where the balls 107, by virtue of the friction
generated by the pressure thrust, move the ring slider 110 inwards,
thus compressing the spring 325. During this step, the seal 115 is
at a series of decompression niches 304a, thus discharging the
residual pressure present in the pipe.
[0120] FIG. 46 shows how the ring slider 110 returns to position by
virtue of the spring 325 after the decompression. At this point, a
tooth present on the pin 152 of the male coupling 150 pushes the
balls 107 into the seat present in the ring slider 110 as shown in
FIG. 47.
[0121] FIG. 48 shows the male coupling 150 and the cartridge 102
after the disconnection, where the spring 109 has repositioned the
ball body 108 and the balancing piston 112, and the spring 120 has
repositioned the valve 103 closing the oil passage.
[0122] Further two springs 318 and 319 reposition the inner slider
322 and the reference of the mechanical lock 314, where an O-ring
type seal 320 is inserted between the central connector 111 and the
adapter 118.
[0123] Two outer shells 326 and 327 are inserted to protect the
inner components further creating resting planes for the springs
109 and 325.
[0124] We have thus shown how in the case of this embodiment the
disconnection is possible in the presence of residual pressure
either by pulling the male coupling or by actuating the lever. This
feature is possible by virtue of the presence of a slider ring 110
(which can slide both towards the outside or the inside of the
cartridge) and two series of decompression niches 304a and 304b
positioned before and after the seal 115.
[0125] It is thus possible to implement such a feature also on the
cartridges described above, simply by assembling the ring slider
itself and providing a double series of decompression niches on the
balancing piston.
[0126] A further embodiment of the present invention and of the
respective connection and disconnection methods will be described
below with reference to the figures from 49 to 60; in the figures
from 49 to 60, component parts and/or features described above with
reference to other figures are identified by means of the same
reference numbers.
[0127] The female coupling according to the present embodiment
allows push-pull type connection/disconnection, connection with
coupling under pressure, disconnection in the presence of pressure
(with actuation of the lever).
[0128] FIG. 49 shows the male coupling 150 according to standard
ISO 16028 and the semi-integrated cartridge 102 reciprocally
disconnected, while FIG. 50 shows a first step of connecting of the
male coupling 150 in the cartridge 102 during which the valve 151
of the male coupling 150 enters into contact with the valve 103 of
the cartridge 102. The dark part in the figure indicates the
presence of residual pressure in the cartridge 102.
[0129] During the following step of connecting shown in FIG. 51,
the pin 152 of the male coupling 150 pushes the outer slider 404 of
the female coupling 102, where the ball body 108 is moved to
retracted position by virtue of the particular shape of the outer
slider 404 and the presence of the ball ring 107. An inner body
405, a balancing piston 112, two half-shells 407 and the valve 103
are connected to the ball body 108. The aforesaid component
assembly is hydraulically balanced by virtue of the particular
arrangement of the seals 408, 409 and 410.
[0130] Decompression niches 411 are present in the balancing piston
112 and allow to eliminate the residual pressure previously present
in the cartridge 102 because they create a passage gap between the
balancing piston 112 and the seal 410.
[0131] The decompressed oil enters into a circular crown-shape
chamber 117 obtained between the balancing piston 112 and the
adapter 118, where a hole 119 is present in the adapter 118 through
which the oil may spill out, which oil then exits from the hole
106, to be possibly recovered.
[0132] FIG. 52 shows a next step of connecting, during which the
pin 152 of the male coupling pushed the outer slider 404 into
contact with the inner slider 415. It is worth noting that the
pressure in the cartridge was released.
[0133] FIG. 53 shows the male coupling 150 and female coupling 102
mutually connected, where the spring 416 has repositioned the ball
body 108 and all the components connected thereto. The balls 107
are locked between the groove 453 and the ring slider 110, where
the inner slider 415 is in retracted position thereby opening the
oil passage.
[0134] The disconnection of the male coupling 150 from the female
coupling 102 in the absence of residual pressure and simply by
pulling the male coupling 150 towards the outside the cartridge 102
is described below with reference to figures from 54 to 56.
[0135] Starting from the coupled position in FIG. 53, the balls 107
are repositioned at a groove present inside the ring slider 110
(FIG. 54) by pulling the male coupling 150 towards the outside of
the cartridge 102, where the inner slider 415 returns to position
pushed by the spring 418, and thus closing the oil passage.
[0136] During the further step in FIG. 55, the pin 152 exits from
the cartridge 102, where the outer slider 404 is repositioned by
the spring 419.
[0137] Finally, as shown in FIG. 56, with the completion of the
disconnection of the male coupling 150 from the cartridge 102, the
spring 416 repositions the ball body 108 and all the components
connected thereto.
[0138] Figures from 57 to 60 show the disconnection of the male
coupling 150 from the female coupling 102 in the presence of
residual pressure and by actuating the lever 104.
[0139] In FIG. 57 the male coupling 150 is shown connected to the
cartridge 102; where the leg 104a of the lever 104 is in contact
with a surface 112a of the balancing piston 112 by virtue of the
thrust of the spring 121.
[0140] FIG. 58 shows instead how the retraction of the balancing
piston 112 and of the ball body 108 and of all the components
connected thereto is obtained by pushing the lever 104 downwards
(anticlockwise with respect to the figure), where the balls 107, by
virtue of the friction generated by the pressure thrust, move the
ring slider 110 inwards, compressing the spring 420, and where the
seal 410 is at the decompression niches 411 and the residual
pressure is discharged.
[0141] At this point, once the friction of the balls has ceased,
the ring slider 110 is repositioned by the spring 420 and the inner
slider 415 returns to position pushed by the spring 418 thereby
closing the oil passage (FIG. 59).
[0142] Finally, FIG. 60 shows the male coupling 150 and female
coupling 102 after the disconnection, where the spring 416 has
repositioned the ball body 108 and all the components connected
thereto. Furthermore, the O-ring type seal 421 is inserted between
the central connector 111 and the adapter 118, an outer ring 423
being inserted to protect the inner components and to create a
mechanical stop for the ring slider 110.
[0143] A further embodiment of the coupling according to the
present invention and of the respective connection and
disconnection methods will be described below with reference to
figures from 61 to 73, where in the figures from 61 to 73,
component parts and/or features previously described above with
reference to other figure are identified by means of the same
reference numerals. The cartridge according to the present
invention allows push-pull type connection/disconnection,
connection in the presence of residual pressure, disconnection in
the presence of residual pressure (by actuating the lever),
connection with pressurized male connection and an opening ratio
equal to about 2.5:1.
[0144] During the first step of connecting shown in FIG. 62, the
valve 151 of the male coupling 150 enters into contact with the
valve 103 of the cartridge 102. The dark part in the figure
indicates the presence of pressure in the cartridge 102 and in the
male coupling 150.
[0145] FIG. 63 shows a next step of connecting in which the pin 152
of the male coupling 150 pushes the outer slider 404 of the female
coupling, where by virtue of the particular shape of the outer
slider 404 and the presence of the ball ring 107, the ball body 108
is moved to retracted position. An inner body 405, a balancing
piston 112, two half-shells 407 and the valve 103 are connected to
the ball body 108. The aforesaid component assembly is
hydraulically balanced by virtue of the particular arrangement of
the seals 508, 509 and 510.
[0146] Decompressing niches 511 are present in the balancing piston
112 which allow the elimination of the residual pressure previously
present in the cartridge 102 because they create a passage gap
between the balancing piston 112 and the seal 510, where the
decompressed oil enters into a crown-shaped chamber 117 obtained
between the balancing piston 112 and the adapter 118 by virtue of a
hole 119 present in the adapter 118 from which it may pour out and
then exit from the hole 106, and be possibly recovered.
[0147] During the step after the connection in FIG. 64, the valve
151 of the male coupling 150, by pushing the valve 103, also
retracts the following components: half-shells 407, inner body 405,
mechanical block body 516 and inner slider 415, where the
mechanical block balls 518 are pushed into the mechanical lock stop
seat 519. It is worth noting that the pressure in the cartridge 102
was released.
[0148] FIG. 65 shows a next step of connecting in which the balls
107 are at the groove 453 of the male coupling 150, where the
spring 416 has repositioned the ball body 108 and all the
components connected thereto and the balls 107 are locked between
the groove 453 and the ring slider 110 with the male coupling 150
connected to the female coupling 102.
[0149] It is worth noting that the male coupling 150 is connected
to the female part but the valve 151 is still closed, thereby
maintaining pressure in the male coupling.
[0150] In order to open the valve 151 of the male coupling 150 it
is thus sufficient to pressurize the cartridge 102. For the
purpose, a component assembly is present in the cartridge 102
consisting of inner body 405, mechanical lock body 516, half-shells
407 and valve 103, which is hydraulically imbalanced by virtue of
the seals 521 and 522 which work on the two different
diameters.
[0151] Therefore, in order to open the valve 151 of the male
coupling 150 it is sufficient to apply a pressure considerably
lower pressure than that present in the male coupling (opening
ratio). FIG. 67 shows the performed coupling with respective
opening of the valves.
[0152] It is worth noting that the mechanical lock body 516 is
locked in position by a crown of balls 518 which cannot move
radially because of the presence of the stop 519 which prevents
their displacement (such a system is usually referred to as a
"mechanical lock").
[0153] The disconnection method in the absence of pressure and
simply by pulling the male coupling 150 towards the outside of the
cartridge 102 will be described below with reference to the figures
from 68 to 69.
[0154] Starting from coupled position in FIG. 67 and pulling the
male coupling 150 towards the outside of the cartridge 102, the
balls 107 are repositioned at a groove present inside the ring
slider 110 (FIG. 68), whereas the inner slider 415 returns to
position pushed by the spring 418, thereby closing the oil
passage.
[0155] Finally, with the male coupling 150 and the female coupling
102 mutually disconnected (FIG. 69), the spring 416 has
repositioned the ball body 108 and all the components connected
thereto, where the outer slider 404 was repositioned by the spring
419.
[0156] Figures from 70 to 73 show the disconnection by actuating
the lever 104.
[0157] With the male coupling 150 and the female coupling 102
mutually connected (FIG. 70), the leg 104a is in contact with a
surface 112a of the balancing piston 112 by virtue of the thrust of
the spring 121.
[0158] So, the retraction of the balancing piston 112 and of the
ball body 108 and of all the components connected thereto is
obtained by pushing the lever 104 downwards (FIG. 71). Furthermore,
the balls 107, by virtue of the friction generated by the pressure
thrust, move the ring slider 515 towards the inside, compressing
the spring 420, where the seal 510 is at the decompression niches
511, thereby allowing the pressure relief.
[0159] At this point, the ring slider 110 is repositioned by the
spring 420 once the ball friction ceases; furthermore, the inner
slider 415 returns to position pushed by the spring 418, thus
closing the passage of oil (FIG. 72).
[0160] FIG. 73 shows the male coupling 150 and the cartridge 102
after the disconnection. It is worth noting that the spring 416 has
repositioned the ball body 108 and all the components connected
thereto. An O-ring type seal 526 is inserted between the central
connector 111 and the adapter 118, an outer ring 423 being inserted
to protect the inner components. A pusher 529 is inserted in the
balancing piston 112 to vary the resting of the spring 530 in some
steps and guaranteeing better reactivity of the cartridge.
[0161] We have thus demonstrated by means of the detailed
description of the embodiments of the present invention shown in
the drawings given above that the present invention achieves the
set objects by overcoming the drawbacks found in the prior art.
[0162] In particular, the present invention:
[0163] allows the central flow of the oil or fluid in general (and
thus guarantee less loss of load) which today is only possible in
simple interface manifolds;
[0164] allows the simple and immediate replacement of the quick
coupling (e.g. in case of malfunctioning);
[0165] offers the possibility of using and exchanging a wide range
of couplings, in particular of ISO 7241 couplings and ISO 16028
couplings (of the agri or flat face type);
[0166] offers the possibility of using couplings of the same type
(and/or referred to the same ISO standard), but with different size
(e.g. size 1/2'' or 3/4''); allows both the connection and the
disconnection also in the presence of residual pressure in one or
both couplings and without using the lever (today possible
exclusively in the case of manifolds with integrated cartridges by
actuating the lever);
[0167] allows the connection and disconnection both with and
without the actuation of the lever;
[0168] allows the recovery of possibly decompressed (clean)
oil;
[0169] facilitates and simplifies the connection and disconnection
operations in general;
[0170] guarantees a reliable connection without the risk of
accidental disconnection;
[0171] allows to provide a compact system with small dimensions,
low cost, and which can be installed on a wide range of equipment
according to simple methods and equally low cost.
[0172] Although the present invention is explained above by means
of a detailed description of the embodiments shown in the drawings,
the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described
above and shown in the drawings. On the contrary, all the
modifications and/or variants of the embodiments described above
and shown in the drawings, which will be obvious and immediate to
those skilled in the art, are included in the scope of the present
invention.
[0173] The scope of the present invention is thus defined by the
claims.
* * * * *